North Carolina is one of the leaders in the solar industry. The state is getting on average five peak sun hours per day, which ranks it the top half among other states. In addition, North Carolina is known for its excellent solar incentives and rebate programs. Considering all this, getting solar panels in North Carolina is a great investment.
As of September 2019, the average cost of a solar panel in North Carolina is $2.85/W. Therefore, the cost to install a 5kW solar panel system would range from $12,000 to $16,500. On average, one can expect to pay a gross price of $14,000 for solar in North Carolina. This price does not account for Federal Tax credit or any other rebates or incentives. Once those accounted for, the net price will fall drastically.
The Federal Investment Tax Credit - with this government program, you get a 30% credit on your federal taxes in the following year, including parts and labor. The tax credit does not have a limit on its value.
North Carolina's Solar Property Tax Exemption - North Carolina has an 80% property tax exemption for residential properties value increases from installing solar.
Duke Energy Solar Panel Rebates – If you are a customer of Duke Energy, you might be eligible for an excellent solar rebate. The rebate is offered for new solar customers only, and the application must be filled out before the solar power system is installed. For residential customers, the program offers a rebate of $0.60/Watt for systems up to 10 kilowatts. An average 5kW solar system would be eligible for a rebate of $3000.
Building Permit Incentive – If you are a resident of the city of Asheville, NC, you will get a $50 rebate for a building permit to install a solar power system.
Net Metering - In North Carolina, Net Metering is available through its three major utility companies - Duke Energy, Progress Energy, and Dominion North Carolina Power. Homeowners connect their solar power systems to the grid and receive credits for the surplus energy generated by their systems. These credits are applied to next month's bill at a full retail price.
When comparing North Carolina’s solar energy advantages and disadvantages, it is clear that the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages. With the prices lower than ever and with the solar incentives being one of the best in the country, there is no better time to install solar power system and start saving money on your electric bill while helping keep North Carolina clean and beautiful.
When you install your solar system, 26% of your project expenses apply toward a credit to offset any taxes you owe that year. This federal tax credit is a major incentive to go solar, but it is being phased out by 2022.
Most people are eligible to claim this credit (you must owe federal taxes to be eligible).
Example of 4 kW system calculation in Minnesota for electricity bill $100